Weekly Newsletter #12 - 1 May 2024
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Passing of Fr Tom Brophy
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Professional Learning Program
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ResourceSmart Schools Awards – 2024 Finalists Announced
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World EduLead Conference and Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St Paul
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Expression of Interest for AI Working Party
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People and Development Update
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Wellbeing Update
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Catholic Identity and Mission
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Learning and Teaching Update
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
An Ongoing Story
Education has taken place in the geographical area that is now known as The Diocese of Ballarat for millenia. The First Australians have nurtured and educated their children and young people on this country for generations. They lived in harmony with creation passing on customs and culture. We as an educational community honour this with great respect and we acknowledge the lasting effects of colonisation on their way of life.
During Catholic Education Week we recall the story of Catholic Schooling that has been taking place since 1849 in the region we know as The Diocese of Ballarat. This has been a collaborative project from the very beginning. Lay people, Clergy and Religious Orders have worked tirelessly, establishing what we have today. The Diocese of Ballarat, since its inception in 1874 has placed an immense importance on Catholic Schools. From 1875-1884 the Diocese spent £67,291 (equivalent of $11356650 in 2023) on education alone and by 1904 had 11 boarding schools, 13 secondary schools for both girls and boys, and 60 primary schools in 35 parishes. An extraordinary achievement!
The following quotes speak vibrantly to our context. They are from significant founders of religious orders associated with The Diocese of Ballarat. May these quotes inspire us to continue as our forebears did in their time and place to bring the Good News of Christ to all through our vision of: As partners in Catholic Education, open to God’s presence, we pursue fullness of life for all.
https://www.damascus.vic.edu.au/uploads/Publications/140-Year-Anniversary-Publication-LR.pdf
“We can never say, it is enough.”
“Show your instructions in actions as much as you can.”
Catherine McAuley, Founder Sisters of Mercy
“Be seekers of truth and doers of justice”
Mary Ward, Founder Institute Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto Sisters)
“We must teach more by example than by word.”
Mary MacKillop Co Founder of The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart (Josephites)
“What you are those who come after you will be”
Bishop Daniel Delaney, Founder of The Sisters of St. Brigid (Brigidines)
"Give to the poor in handfuls."
Edmund Rice, Founder of the Christian Brothers
“By degrees with the assistance of God we can do a great deal”
Nano Nagle - Founder of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, (The Presentation Sisters)
“Do we not feel a call to become the ministers of Christ’s mercy, the messengers of Christ’s compassion?”
John Bede Polding First Bishop of Sydney and Founder of The Sisters of the Good Samaritan
“Our love of neighbour should be tender-hearted and compassionate.”
Fr Jules Chevalier MSC, Founder of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
“May God be glorified everywhere and in everything”
Anne Marie Javouhey, Founder Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny
“I am searching for God”
Claude Poullart des Places, Founder of The Congregation of The Holy Spirit (Spiritan Fathers)
From the Executive Director
I trust you are enjoying Catholic Education Week celebrating the distinctive mission and ethos of our schools and recognising the 150 year anniversary of the formation of the Diocese of Ballarat.
I am aware of some outstanding community and faith-filled events and activities happening around the diocese.
It was wonderful to see Years 5 and 6 students, teachers, families, and friends, from six district primary schools come together in Casterton yesterday, for what I have been told was a wonderful day of shared liturgy, meals and fun activities. The reports indicate a true sense of our diocesan Catholic education community was evident in the collegiality of the day. Congratulations to all who planned this event, along with the many, many others happening around the diocese. (see photos below)
On Friday evening we are looking forward to celebrating Mass and recognising a remarkable 34 teachers and staff who have given 30 years of dedicated service to Catholic education, along with presenting the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. We are very pleased that James Merlino, Chair of the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA), will join us for this occasion.
For this week’s stimulus material, I encourage you to read A ‘Big Tent’ Strategy for System-Wide Transformation. This paper looks at the Ottawa Catholic Schools Board system-wide transformation over the past ten years which was heavily influenced by the work of Michael Fullan, who recently spoke to CEB staff as part of the DOBCEL strategic planning co-design workshop.
Please enjoy the rest of Catholic Education Week.
With best wishes,
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Passing of Fr Tom Brophy
Bishop Paul Bird, Bishop Emeritus Peter Connors, the priests, and people of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat are saddened by the passing of their brother and friend, Fr Thomas Brophy (Tom) aged 84, who died peacefully on Sunday April 28, 2024, at Justin Villa Age Care.
Fr Tom will be known to many across our Diocesan education community.
He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Ballarat on May 20, 1972 at St Patrick’s Cathedral. He served as Assistant Priest in a number of Parishes throughout the Diocese as well as being Parish Priest at Penshurst, Terang, Sea Lake & Ouyen, Ballarat Nth, Mildura and Wendouree, before retiring in 2015.
May Fr Tom now enter into the fullness of life promised to all who preach the Gospel, and may he rest in peace.
Professional Learning Program
Please click the 'Download Here' button below to open the flyer.
ResourceSmart Schools Awards – 2024 Finalists Announced
The theme for 2024 ResourceSmart Schools Awards is: Legendary Legacies – what will you leave behind? This year the awards celebrate their 15th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, the awards are looking back at all the legendary legacies we've created together for a more sustainable future.
Congratulations to the following Legends who have been nominated for an award and have made it to the final list! These legendary schools in the diocese are already leading the way on sustainability, creating real impact for Victorian communities beyond the school gate:
Award Category: Curriculum Leadership School of the Year
This category recognises teaching and learning of sustainability through the Victorian curriculum, and the creative and innovative approaches to addressing sustainability in lesson plans, units of work or school-wide curriculum.
Primary - St James’ Parish School, Sebastopol
The school partners with tertiary institutions and local organisations to inform curriculum and connect students' learning to local issues. Students participated in the youth-led Sustainable Solutions project organised by City of Ballarat and VicHealth. They attended 8 workshops and pitched their ideas to government leaders and politicians.
Through the school’s storyboards initiative, the students explored topics related to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. They created storyboards to address the issues, share ideas on solutions, and showcased their brilliant and creative minds.
Award Category: Community Leadership School of the Year
This category recognises schools that best demonstrate a commitment to community leadership through the encouragement of innovative sustainability practices and action on climate change.
Primary - St James’ Parish School, Sebastopol
Staff collaborated with the University of Melbourne to integrate sustainability across all subject areas. From this, Year 5 and 6 teachers developed a unit of work involving local sustainability leaders, starting with the local Wadawurrung community. The STEAM students learnt alongside their community on River Detectives to manage the local Yarrowee Creek. They participated in excursions and incursions, designed their own sustainable living strategy, and presented it to a panel of experts, including the local mayor.
Primary - St Patrick’s Primary School, Port Fairy
This 5-star school integrates sustainability and community engagement seamlessly.
Students visit Volcano Produce to learn about spray-free farming practices and distribute harvested food items to the local food share. Weekly lessons involve upcycling fabric into boomerang bags, to support the Bandari Project for underprivileged children and women in Tanzania. For 7 years, students have contributed to the local Beach Monitoring Program, earning them recognition on ABC local radio for their environmental efforts.
We congratulate both schools on their amazing commitment to sustainability, and wish them both the very best of luck in the finals.
Article submitted by Sarah Page.
World EduLead Conference and Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St Paul
Words by, Nerrida Holland, Principal of St. Mary’s in Warracknabeal and Gerard Raven, Principal of St. Brigid’s in Horsham.
During the month of April we took some leave in addition to the recent school holidays to attend the World EduLead Conference in Singapore and then embark on an amazing journey through Greece and Turkey in the Footsteps of St Paul.
The conference's theme was "An education revolution in the AI age". The key note speakers highlighted how the landscape of education is rapidly changing and the consequential need for us to redefine what it means to be an educator in the 21st century. Artificial Intelligence and the ability to use and understand it will become the disequaliser in our society.
The latest World Economic Forum predicts AI will cause the loss of 85 million jobs....but 95 million will be created. Our key takeaway from the conference is that AI will not be taking jobs, but people who know how to use AI will be. Not addressing AI will be the biggest shift in education, so we need to teach our students how to use AI and identify bias.
Presenters shared we are at the basic "pong level" (the old video game) - of artificial intelligence and on the brink of an AI explosion, not just in education but throughout the world. Our students will be competing for jobs against those who are exposed to and experienced with AI. We need to educate our students to not have AI do the thinking for them, but use AI to become better thinkers. Our teachers and education leaders will also need to become AI literate so that schools can be the equaliser and to ensure AI does not become a digital divide in our society. In today's online world, digital literacy equates to power. The power to own land, run businesses, send money abroad, engage in politics and receive public services. AI can provide a meaningful route for marginalised voices to be heard and digitally included. In teaching our students digital literacy we now need to include the skills to navigate AI environments and use AI tools responsibly and efficiently.
There are new AI programs being developed for schools where teachers can specify parameters and put in guard rails within the learning environment to safely expose students to AI in a teacher-guided space. Teachers will need professional development in using and understanding AI in the classroom setting. It is important AI is embraced through all levels of education - the policy makers, departments, leaders and teachers, or else our students will be left behind.
After the conference in Singapore, we then headed to Greece and Turkey where St Paul the Apostle developed the first Church in Asia Minor. Greece became the gateway for Christianity’s spread to the rest of Europe because of St. Paul and we visited some of the places associated with his apostolic mission. From the magnificent Acropolis in Athens we could view Areopagus Hill, the bare marble hill next to the Acropolis in where St Paul preached to the Athenians. However, our highlight was visiting the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey where St Paul preached to the Ephesians. St. Paul founded the Church in Ephesus 53-56 AD. From here, he wrote letters to Galatia, Philippi, and Corinth. We walked through the remains of the main Agora and Great Theater, where St. Paul addressed the crowds (Acts 19:29), and the site of the riot from which Paul escaped.
We also visited the House of the Virgin Mary. It is recorded that the Virgin Mary went to Ephesus and lived there for some time. The site was officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1896, has received 3 Papal visits and is a sacred space for Christians and Muslims. Here we lit candles for our loved ones. After Ephesus we then went to the Greek island of Patmos and walked in the cave where St John lived in exile and wrote the Book of Revelations. We were also fortunate to visit other islands including Rhodes and Crete, including sightseeing and experience amazing travels through other areas in Turkey and Greece.
Our trip was a wonderful and spiritual fulfilling experience which we will always treasure.
Expression of Interest for AI Working Party
With the increase of AI across the education sector we are in the process of drafting an initial AI Position Paper to support DOBCEL schools. We are seeking expressions of interest for a working party to meet virtually, and possibly in person where appropriate, to share ideas, provide context and support schools in their smart and ethical use of AI.
This is a voluntary working party that will support the development of an AI position paper and would require only approximately 2 hours of time commitment per month, subject and dependant on your capacity to be involved. We are aiming to begin with a brief virtual introductory session in Week 4, Term 2.
If this is something that you are interested in or would like to know more about, please complete this expression of interest form.
People and Development Update
Crucial Conversations – May 30 & 31
- Time - 9:00-4:00 (both days)
Location – Koroit – St Patrick’s Primary School
- Cost $500 (inclusive of learning materials (3 x books), morning tea and lunch)
- Trybooking registration
Crucial Conversations teaches a model for effective communication, that can be applied to any situation, but particularly difficult or high-stakes situations. It focuses on fostering dialogue, managing emotions, and achieving mutual understanding. The model helps to navigate high-stakes discussions with openness, respect, and skill, enhancing relationships and driving positive outcomes.
This program is designed for anyone who would like to develop skills in providing effective feedback and fostering open dialogue. The skills can be transferred across a range of situations including providing feedback and fostering open dialogue with colleagues, parents/carers and the community. It is relevant for people working in schools as well as the CEB office.
Future workshop dates -
Crucial Conversations will also be run on the following dates -
- 3 & 4 Sep - Swan Hill
- 12 & 13 Nov - TBA
Trybooking links for these dates will be supplied soon.
If you have any queries about the program please contact Fiona Murphy.
Article submitted by Fiona Murphy.
Flourish Wellbeing e-Magazine – March 2024
The May 2024 edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available.
Featured Articles:
- National Sorry Day
- Family & Domestic Violence
- Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
Also in this edition:
- The Volunteering ‘Feels’
- Managing Personal Issues in the Workplace
- The Wellness Wave hits the Pet World
- Beyond the Noise
- And more!
For more information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) visit Converge International website.
Article submitted by Tania Lund.
Wellbeing Update
Out of Home Care
Term 2 Designated Teacher Training
The Designated Teacher is the first point of contact for and is the advocate of students in Out of Home Care, within their school.
Term 2 Learning Mentor Training
The critical importance of the Learning Mentor relationship as a driver of improved wellbeing and academic outcomes for our children and young people in Out-of-Home Care.
SWPBS - Save the Dates
Term 2
- May 23
Zoom to discuss, connect and share added resources with SWPBS. Please bring a cuppa and questions. RSVP Anne Ruddell for link. - June 14 - Bundoora
Professional Learning with Terry Scott - considering & Implementing Key Features of Schoolwide PBL: a Training for Schoolwide Teams. - June 17 - Bundoora
Professional Learning with Terry Scott - High Probability Practices for Maximising Student Success with Behaviour in Schools - June 19 - Cairns
PBL Conference
Term 3
- August 30
Dr Shiralee Poed - Strengthening Universals to Support Classroom Behaviour.
SchoolTV
Have you made a plan for Term 2 to maximise your use of the School TV resources?
Perhaps you could consider selecting something from the list of editions below that is of relevance to your school as we embark on a new term. You may like to look at the Respectful Relationships resources for fostering healthy relationships at school and home or explore an edition with a Cybersafe focus to re-establish rules around the safe, responsible use of technology.
There is also a Special Report: Celebrating Mother’s Day that you might like to share out with your school community in the lead up to Sunday 12 May.
For any support with School TV please contact Mel Frost (mfrost@dobcel.catholic.edu.au).
Catholic Identity and Mission
Please see attached the latest edition of Social Justice Trends here.
Featured articles include:
- Feast of St Joseph the Worker
- Laudato Si' Week
- National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week
- And more
Social Justice Update - Modern Slavery - Care for People
‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Luke 10:27
Laudato Si’ - RESPONSE TO THE CRY OF THE POOR
Slavery is a thing of the past, right? Wrong.
Today, over 50 million people worldwide are subject to some form of modern slavery, with many businesses unknowingly contributing to the problem. That’s why the Australian government introduced the Modern Slavery Act in January 2019.
What is modern slavery?
According to the Global Slavery Index 2023 there are 50 million people living in situations of modern slavery on any given day, with the highest number in the Asia Pacific region. In Australia, an estimated 41,000 people are enslaved in Australia.
Modern slavery refers to situations of exploitation where a person cannot refuse or leave, because of threats, violence, coercion, abuse of power or deception. Modern slavery is a non-legal umbrella term that includes:
Although modern slavery is illegal everywhere, millions of people continue to be forced to work in factories, fields, fisheries and mines. People are recruited and maintained in modern slavery by poverty, vulnerability, corruption, unethical business practices and systems that create the conditions and opportunities for coercive control and abuse.
Modern slavery is not the same as poor working conditions or low pay, although such conditions often underpin and are indicators of modern slavery.
Today, deceptive means are used by agents, recruiters and employers to hold captive their workforce and exploit their labour. Children and vulnerable workers are targeted, using control tactics such as charging extortionate recruitment fees and deductions, debts, threats of violence, arrest and deportation, withholding of wages and confiscation or destruction of identity documents.
It is unthinkable that one human should ever be allowed to deny another human of these basic rights through fear, exploitation, deceit, or physical or emotional restraint. Action against modern slavery is fundamental Catholic Social Teaching. Pope Francis has called modern slavery “a crime against humanity.” He has pledged with other global religious leaders to rid the world of this affront to human dignity and human freedom.
The Christian tradition affirms the inalienable dignity of each person: created in the image of God, with unique gifts and talents, connected with the whole of creation, enriched by relationships of friendship and love lived out in a shared common life, capable of astonishing creativity, insight and achievement, and invited into communion with the Triune God revealed by Jesus. This core Christian vision of the human person is fundamental to the mission of DOBCEL.
But slavery isn’t really a problem in Australia, right? Wrong.
The number of reports of modern slavery that the Australian Federal Police has received each year has generally increased over time, ranging from 70 in 2013–14 to about 340 in 2022–23. Increases in reports may be related to an increase in awareness and/or ease of reporting rather than changes in the true number of modern slavery cases in Australia. (Modern slavery - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)
One of the insights we have learned from the COVID pandemic is the truly global reach of our human interdependence, with the potential for outbreaks of disease in remote parts of the world to have a dramatic impact on our local community. This interdependence is also relevant to the various forms of modern slavery, which have many opportunities for connection to the operations and supply chain of our schools and homes, often in ways that are not immediately apparent. Practices such as human trafficking, child labour, and exploitation of workers for minimal or no wages are terrible abuses of human dignity and are contrary to the fundamental respect that Christians seek to promote for each person.
Eradication of such networks of social, economic and environmental abuse must be at the forefront of our shared global fraternity, and particularly the intention of our shared Christian lives. This is no easy task as every day the decisions we make about what we buy and what we use will have a significant impact upon countless lives and communities.
The eradication of modern slavery in our Dioces’s operations and supply chain is an extension of our mission identity and Catholic Social Teaching which emphasise respect for the human dignity of the person. We are taking significant steps to identify and address ways in which it might be at risk of supporting modern slavery, putting in place structures, partnerships and policies that will help all involved in Catholic education in the Ballarat Diocese to grow in awareness of modern slavery, and to act in ways that promote the dignity, freedom and wellbeing of each person.
We each share in the responsibility to uphold the inherent value, dignity and freedom of every human person – especially the most vulnerable and forgotten in our global communities.
Laudato Si’ Action:
Watch the short documentary, Modern Slavery - Short documentary.
Upcoming significant Ecological Events:
- 🗓️ Wednesday 1st - Friday 31st May 2024 Mindful in May (month)
For further information see the Mindful in May website: Mindful in May - 🗓️ Wednesday 15th May 2024 International Day of Families
- 🗓️ Thursday 16th May 2024 International Day of Living Together in Peace
- 🗓️ Sunday 19th - Sunday 26th May 2024 Laudato Si’ Week
Caritas Australia Resources for Laudato Si Week 2024 – 19-26 May
Our new Laudato Si’ Week resources are now available to download here. Caritas have taken care to provide a primary school, secondary school, and parish version of their Laudato Si' Week resources, all available on their website.
Article submitted by Sarah Page.
Learning and Teaching Update
Early Career Teacher Days 2024
The Early Career Teacher Program is a three-year integrated program designed to support early career teacher induction into the Ballarat Diocese and the teaching profession, within the particular context of working in the ministry of Catholic education. The program reflects the partnership between DOBCEL and schools who together support the professional growth of early career teachers. Elements of the program presented through these dedicated days will complement formation opportunities initiated by the school community.
Graduate and Early Career Teacher program days will take place on the following dates throughout 2024. To encourage participation and decrease travel time for people in the north, program days in terms one and two will be run in two locations (Ballarat and Robinvale). The content on both days will be the same, and participants should only attend one day.
If you know an early career teacher, please share these dates with them!
TERM 2: 1st-year graduate/early career teachers dates - (content on both days is the same, please only attend one day).
2nd/3rd year early career teacher dates -
| TERM 3: Halls Gap – Country Plaza
TERM 4: Individual check-ins with Early career teachers |
If you have any queries about the program please contact Sarah Hanley on shanley@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
Effective Mentoring Program
Calling mentor teachers!
The Effective Mentoring Program (EMP) is a free professional learning program developed and delivered in partnership with DE and VIT.
This two-day program equips participants with mentoring skills to support beginning teachers and guide them through the provisional to full registration process.
Any teacher who wishes to become a mentor for a PRT moving to full registration is able to participate in a VIT-approved mentoring program.
Two-day EMP Course
Location | Day 1 | Day 2 |
Ballarat | 13 March 2024 | 24 April 2024 |
Bendigo | 24 July 2024 | 28 August 2024 |
Geelong | 7 May 2024 | 26 June 2024 |
Horsham | 27 March 2024 | 23 May 2024 |
Mildura | 14 August 2024 | 18 September 2024 |
Warrnambool | 7 August 2024 | 11 September 2024 |
One-day EMP refresher course
Refresher courses are available for those who have completed the initial two-day training but would like to refresh their mentoring skills.
Location | Day 1 |
Melbourne | 5 June 2024 |
Melbourne | 8 August 2024 |
For further information and registrations please click here.
General News
Mathematics 2.0 Reporting advice
As all schools will be aware, late last year the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) published the revised Mathematics curriculum for Foundation to 10 (Version 2.0). Whilst most schools are using 2024 as a year of familiarisation, a number of schools have moved to full implementation of the curriculum this semester.
The updated curriculum includes changes to standards used by teachers to assess and report student learning in Mathematics, and as a result there are two important considerations for school implementation:
- Reporting software that is compliant with VCAA specifications will not display a student’s previous assessment level in the first instance that they are assessed against the revised Mathematic curriculum 2.0. Indication of previous assessment will appear in the second year of implementation.
- Teachers will be required to report to the revised standards using a single aggregated score, rather than entering scores for the 6 individual strands.
Schools seeking further clarification regarding these two points are invited to contact Teresa Hadden thadden@dobcel.catholic.edu.au. Questions regarding the specifics of reporting software can be directed to Andrew Weir from the SIMON team aweir@simonschools.net.
PAT Professional Learning
Rationale: To develop competency in the administration and analysis of PAT data to inform reporting and classroom practice.
Facilitators:
- Breeana Wade
- Lisa Templar
- Teresa Hadden
Session 1: 16 May 2024 3:45 - 4:30pm.
| Session 2: 9 October 2024 3:45 - 4:30pm Register here
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Participants / Target Audience
- Classroom teachers
- Leaders of Learning
- Principals
FIRE Carrier Program and RAP Survey
Catholic Education Ballarat are gathering information regarding school interest in the FIRE Carrier Program and status of Reconciliation Action Plans. To gather accurate data, we encourage each school principal or nominee to complete the survey by Friday 17 May 2024.
Please contact CEB’s Education Officers: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Helen Christensen (0467 415 768 or email) or Jeanette Morris (0408 360 098 or email) for further information.
National Reconciliation Week 2024 (27 May - 3 June)
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This year’s theme reminds all Australians that Now More Than Ever, the work of reconciliation continues. Whether through truth-telling, understanding our history, within education, or by challenging institutionalised inequity, we can be instrumental by being champions of reconciliation. There are many ways we can do this in our workplaces, communities, homes and social settings.
A resource document has been created that may prove valuable in celebrating this week. If you have any queries, please contact CEB’s Education Officers: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Helen Christensen on 0467 415 768 or via Helen's email or Jeanette Morrison 0408 360 098 or via Jeanette's email.
Richmond Emerging Aboriginal Leadership (REAL) Program
Expression of Interest
REAL Schools is a school-based program that introduces Indigenous students to the work of the Korin Gamadji Institute. Within this program, students will learn about the Richmond Emerging Aboriginal Leadership (REAL) program, including an introduction to the three key pillars of the program: Leadership, Social and Emotional Wellbeing, and Culture.
This interactive program includes cultural games, content from Richmond Football Club Indigenous players and practical social and emotional wellbeing exercises, governed by subject matter experts by our Indigenous psychologist employed by KGI. At the end of the session, students will find out how to enrol in the REAL programs and stay connected with the KGI Team.
About REAL Program
REAL journey is designed in three stages.
- First stage is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 7 & 8.
- Second stage is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 9 & 10.
- Third stage is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 11 & 12.
Where from here?
If you or a support staff member, who are in contact with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, are interested or wanting to know more about the 2 hour FREE workshop, please email Brady Cooper, Programs Manager - bcooper@richmondfc.com.au to organise a date and time.
Primary News
Maths Bites - Unpacking The Victorian Mathematics Curriculum V2.0
Throughout Term 1 some primary learning leaders took part in familiarisation workshops on the revised Victorian Mathematics Curriculum. During Term 3 we will provide another opportunity for Primary Leaders of Mathematics and classroom teachers to engage in introductory workshops on the F - Year 6 Victorian Mathematics Curriculum V2.0 in preparation for full implementation in 2025.
These ONLINE sessions will be facilitated by Teresa Hadden and Sarah McKnight, Primary Education Officers from CEB.
Please note: The content presented will be an online version of the face to face days offered in Term 1.
The online sessions will take place on:
- Tuesday 30th July, 2pm - 3pm
- Tuesday 6th August, 2pm - 3pm
- Tuesday 13th August, 2pm - 3pm
The content will include:
- The structure and introductory documents for the Victorian Mathematics Curriculum V2.0
- The similarities and differences between V1.0 and V2.0
- The connections between the Achievement Standard, Content Descriptions and Elaborations
- New reporting requirements
- Mapping a Scope and Sequence for the year demonstrating the interconnectedness of concepts.
Please use this link to register.
Expressions of Interest for Face-to-Face Sounds-Write Training
One of our Central Zone schools has been offered the opportunity for Face-to-Face training in the ‘Sounds-Write’ systematic synthetic phonics program, provided there is sufficient interest for feasibility purposes. We are currently seeking expressions of interest from schools in our diocese wishing to partner in this training. The four-day course would be held in Ballarat in late August or early September, with definite dates given once interest has been ascertained.
Course fees are approximately $1000 per participant, with a small additional percentage of the facilitator's overall fee to be paid by participating schools. The course will cover all theoretical and practical aspects of the ‘Sounds-Write’ approach, with the addition of tailored advice for implementation in Grades 3-6. Further information on course content can be found by following the link to the Sounds-Write webpage.
Please contact Julie Cooper (jcooper@dobcel.catholic.edu.au) or Susan Vowles (svowles@scballarat.catholic.edu.au) to express your interest before Tuesday 30 April.
Engaging students in Mathematical learning - Professional learning for leaders of Mathematics and classroom teachers facilitated by Michael Ymer
Rationale: To impact on teacher practice from planning through to teaching of engaging Mathematical tasks.
Focus / Learning Intentions:
- Explore classroom management strategies
- Identify mathematical tasks which are engaging for ALL students
- Enhance participant’s knowledge of the Mathematical curriculum
Dates - REGISTRATIONS CLOSE Friday 3 May
- 13 May – Ballarat: St. James’ Sebastopol School Hall - Register here
- 14 May – Koroit: St. Patrick’s School Hall - Register here
There is a discount of 30% per ticket when you book 6+ participants.
PLEASE NOTE - Due to low registrations the Horsham and Mildura events have been CANCELLED.
Secondary News
VCE Forum 2
A reminder that our third VCE session will be on Thursday, 2 May at 3.30.
This forum is intended as a planning session to think about designing your SACs and teaching for the Analysis of Argument task in Unit 4. Following on from the VCE Chief Examiner’s session last term, we will look at what the SAC is asking students to do and how this differs from the exam. We will also recap the changes that will exist in the examination in 2024 for Section C.
Come along with your questions. The Zoom link can be accessed here.
For further information, please contact Julia Petrov, Learning and Teaching Education Officer (Secondary) jpetrov@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or 0432 499 683.
ILSY Exec Boost - ILSY for Executive Leaders
Improving Literacy in the Secondary Years (ILSY) for Executive Leaders has been designed to develop the capabilities of Secondary Principals and Senior Learning Leaders to improve student learning outcomes through a whole school approach to disciplinary literacy. Founded in contemporary research, evidence and best practice, this program will be facilitated by Professor Larissa McLean Davies and Dr Pauline Thompson from the University of Melbourne.
This workshop will be in Ballarat on Thursday, 6 June, from 9.00 am - 3.00 pm (not 16 May as previously advertised). Course and catering costs are covered by ILSY funding. Access more information here.
Please register your school's participants via this link. Registration closes Monday, 3 June.
For further information, please contact Julia Petrov, Learning and Teaching Education Officer (Secondary) jpetrov@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or 0432 499 683.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Principal Position
- St Paul's Primary School, Mildura (closes 26 May)
School Vacancies
- Classroom Teacher Primary F/1 (Maternity Position) – St Patrick’s School, Gordon – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 May)
- Administration and Compliance Officer- Executive Office – Damascus College, Mount Clear – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 May)
- F/1 Classroom Teacher – Sacred Heart School, Casterton – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 May)
- Teachers: Various roles- Trinity College, Colac – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 May)
- English Teacher – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 May)
- Generalist Teacher - Various roles – St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 May)
- Exam Supervisor – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – casual/relief position (closes 10 June)
Outside of the Ballarat Diocese
- Executive Director – Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns – applications close Wednesday 8 May 2024
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.